What is Ann Arbor Solarize?
Ann Arbor Solarize is a community bulk-buy solar program. We gather neighbors and friends together, along with participating solar installers, to learn about residential solar, get questions answered, and provide the option to come together to bulk purchase solar - allowing for significant savings.
As part of the City of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan, the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations works with local and regional solar installers, as well as with Michigan Saves, a non-profit green bank that facilitates low-interest financing for green upgrades such as solar installations, to offer this exciting program.
To learn more, check out the Solarize FAQ
Solar Power
Local solar installations are a key component of the City of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality work. Did you know that Ann Arbor compares favorably to cities implementing solar programs in other parts of the country and is sunnier than both Germany and Japan, countries that lead the world in solar energy use? You can learn more about solar power at the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.
Solar Permitting
The City of Ann Arbor offers expedited solar permitting for most residential installations. Only an electric permit is required, and we do not charge for line-item solar fees, application fees, or plan reviews. Learn whether you are eligible for an expedited permit by filling out the eligibility checklist in step 2 of the solar permit application.
Commercial installations are required to file an application and pay the appropriate fee as outlined on the City's B Building Department fee site.
Learn more about solar permitting by filling out this checklist: P-1_Permitting Checklist_Ann Arbor_V4 (PDF)
Additional information: Solar installation - roof access & ventilation requirements (PDF)
Solar Maps and Potential
Investigate your property’s solar potential on Project Sunroof or explore Ann Arbor’s solar potential here. You can also consider using any of the following tools to estimate your solar potential:
• PV Watts Calculator: Enter information about your electricity use to run simulations on solar generation and costs throughout the year
• Energy Sage: Estimate payback periods and get quotes for your home from multiple solar installers online. Enter your address, and Energy Sage will contact you as they receive quotes from local contractors.
Finding a Contractor
Join an
Ann Arbor Solarize event to find an installer and get a discount on going solar. If, however, you'd prefer to move forward on your own, you can find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through Michigan Saves’ list of authorized contractors. Also, check out these resources:
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Choosing a Solar Installer: An informative short video from GW Solar Institute explaining the questions to ask and research to conduct prior to going solar.
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Consumer Solar Checklist: A checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
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Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights: Ensuring a positive customer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Visit the Solar Customer Resource Portal for even more resources and information.
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Credits
Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with federal incentives available. There is a federal income tax deduction of 26% that applies to all installations performed in 2021 and 2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023.
Data:
Real-time solar installation data in Ann Arbor.
Source: City of Ann Arbor permitting data. Excludes state-permitted properties.
Resources
Houses of worship and non-profits can learn more about going solar through the
Michigan Interfaith Power & Light energy resources page or the 2030 District's Houses of Worship & Non-Profits Green Team page.
Batteries: You can pair a battery with your residential solar system for both storage and back-up generation capacity. The cost of batteries for storage of excess energy has been coming down.
You can learn more about the solar journeys of other Ann Arborites on our
Sustainability Stories webpage, which showcases first-hand accounts from Ann Arbor residents making moves in the sustainability space.
